Contracted Players - Return of the Long Pins

2018 squad (based on existing contracted players and a kiwis first policy):

Tando Velaphi (Or an Import)
Oliver Sail

Dylan Fox
Import
Tom Doyle
Justin Gulley
Libby Cacace (Youth)
Andrew Durante- Paycut dependent
Daniel Mullen

Import (Ideally an upgrade on Paracki)
Tim Payne
Matthew Ridenton
Sarpreet Singh (Youth)
Import (Ideally an upgrade on Ljujic and if not using the spot on a keeper)
WeeMac - Paycut dependent
James Musa

Nathan Burns
Roy Krishna
Louis Fenton
J-H Sinclair
Callum McCowatt (Youth)
Import
Calvin Harris (+1)

Possible: Rogerson

Outside 23
Keegan Smith (Youth)

Done.

The Phoenix need to sign at least one higher profile Kiwi I think. Just adding squadies from the ISPS Handa Premiership won't get them to the playoffs. Myer Bevan, Clayton Lewis, Themi, Michael Fitzgerald could be realistic targets. 

Plus I think Andre de Jong should come into consideration.

Myer Bevan has dropped to a level that is at best the same as the Handa Premiership, Fitzgerald has shown no inclination to come home and controversially I'm starting to think de Jong is too slow.

This last one is a revelation to me as I've been an advocate for him but watching him this season I have developed a niggling doubt.

de Jong genetics?

I think it depends on where he is played on the pitch. He is relatively mobile but not fast, so his lack of pace might be less of an issue in central areas

I'd like to be proven wrong but that is where my thoughts are on it currently.

Looks good. Heavily import dependent, and also the sort of squad that could become very cohesive and hard working. I reckon cohesion+imports is the key to this league. 

It could change completely if an All White decides to come home and I get the impression they will be talking to all (or most) of them even the ones out of reach.

That would be very cool.

It sounds like you're receiving a lot of pro kiwi vibes from the club

I'm gonna lead the campaign to get Michael Fitzgerald back. Hasn't played since moving to the J-league champions ahead of the 2017 season.

Hasn't played in a year... injury or form based?

Musa would be an ideal pick up for me.

You're not leading it Dale.  You are just jumping on aguero's bandwagon.

Think that squad will finish 5th or 6th.

Without any names by the import slots?  Brave call.

Do you have a catchy slogan like "Eager for Eagar"?

Fizzing for Fitzy?

What about his bro... Isaac Fitzgerald?

Michael Fitzgerald joining the Phoenix would be huge in that it would make him eligible for the All Whites. Maybe New Zealand Football will help facilitate the move.

I think Nikko Boxall is another that might be worth a crack. Although he is contracted to his club for a few more seasons.

Clayton Lewis and Themi seem the best targets. Need a good experienced centre-back and signing him avoids using an import spot. 

Re: Myer Bevan. He was one of the best and most promising players at the Under-20 World Cup and has already scored for the All Whites. He's only 20 and is still contracted to the Whitecaps. I wouldn't read too much into the fact he's playing tier 3 Sweden on loan. He has the same agent as Joel Stevens and at that stage of the season it's an awkward time for most leagues to take a player on loan. Maybe the Phoenix could take him on loan when the A-League kicks off.

I'd rate Myer much lower than Monty

The Phoenix were after Lewis. Lewis turned them down to go overseas (as best the story told) so considering that, why would he return?

Why would Themi up his home life to come live in a country he has never lived in for a struggling team that is on the skids when he is set up quite fine where he is.

Before joining Auckland, Lewis spent a long time at the Phoenix training, but there was no effort made to sign him beyond a '$50 a week for expenses' type of arrangement.

I'm not aware that any attempt was made to sign him when he left Auckland either.

And by that logic, why would anyone not currently in NZ join the Phoenix?

For a contract? I'm sure this isn't unusual for professional footballers.

keep holding your breath for it to happen

He's not playing for Scodhorpe. His wage demands would be higher now. He's at an age where he needs to be playing regularly. I don't know why everyone is so quick to shut that idea down. 

Read my post. The issue was whether or not the Phoenix had previously tried to sign him, not whether they should/would now

Off season angst... love it!

Here's Ljujic's response to being asked to stay by a few hopeful young fans on Instagram. I noticed that while Paracki made a big post thanking the fans on his page, Ljujic simply said "End of season"

Don’t see any of the MLS or European Kiwis wanting to come home, to a club that may sadly vanish in two years. 

Even Lewis though not getting game time currently in UK, is only 21 so way too soon for him to give up on Europe.

Themi unlikely as his life is in Greece. But big financial carrot, I guess who knows. Do Nix need a new 32 yr CB anyway, if Dura goes round another season?

Not sure Nikko Boxall, Musa or Fitzgerald would provide the real extra quality the Nix need. A change to more Kiwi signings is good news though.

Could be a John McKain type signing.

Could be a couple of A League level player's. 

Free Agents

Anche libero va bene. Porco.

There could be a Paul Ifill amongst that lot - but it’s a huge task to identify even one guy like that.

Another reason to get the coach confirmed ASAP, to locate another ‘Ifill’. 

Ifill was sick of being kicked in The Championship over those long UK winters, his family were keen for a lifestyle change, are rugby fans - and I’m guessing they knew fairly early on they would fully settle in NZ. 

Greenacre similar. Sign guys who see themselves staying long term, happy off the field - and they are far more likely to be fully committed to the cause. Sprinkle in some hard nosed Kiwis (Payne could be a Siggy?) who know the Nix is their best chance of a long term pro career - and you start to build a team.

Most imports won’t settle in NZ long term, its not for them - too quiet, too far away, too windy/wet/cold etc etc. That means their commitment and drive to win can always be a bit more questioned. Esp the Aussies they will mostly be looking at the first real chance to go home ie the moment another A League club shows interest.

Manny, Lia and Dura were the exceptions. Can add Moss to that as I’m sure he’ll live out his days in Oz - family and raised there.

EXPIRES END OF 2017/18:

Andrew DURANTE
Scott GALLOWAY
Lewis ITALIANO
Andrija KALUDJEROVIC (f)
Matija LJUJIC (f)
James McGARRY (u21)
Michael McGLINCHEY
Daniel MULLEN 
Monty PATTERSON - Loan Ended
Goran PARACKI (f)
Matthew RIDENTON
Logan ROGERSON (u21)
Alex RUFER
Tando VELAPHI

EXPIRES END OF 2018/19:

Nathan BURNS
Tom DOYLE
Louis FENTON*
Dylan FOX
Roy KRISHNA (f)
Ryan LOWRY
Adam PARKHOUSE
Oliver SAIL

EXPIRES END OF 2019/20:

Sarpreet SINGH (u21)
Keegan SMITH**

GONE

Marco ROSSI (+1) (f)

* contract begins September 2018 with a one year deal

** Youth contract for 2017/18 then pro for two years

God, I didn't realise that Parkhouse was on the books for one more season...

Also still have Lowry despite him making no first team appearances and only 4 appearances for the reserves.